Chester Zoo has unveiled some breathtaking artist’s impressions of its new overnight safari-style lodge accommodation.

However, despite many wanting to stay at The Reserve at Chester Zoo, many have an issue over the price of the lodges.

The Reserve is set to welcome guests in August this year, with these early visuals giving a tantalising glimpse into the 51-lodge wildlife retreat.

Eager visitors can start booking their exotic stays from 9am today (January 29), choosing from a range of packages. These include offerings that promise behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters, along with the chance to mingle with conservation experts and enjoy exclusive after-hours zoo access. And although this all sounds amazing, the cost has raised some eyebrows.

A variety of lodges, sleeping up to nine people, will be available, with many featuring lakeside views or overlooking a private savannah-like area where Northern giraffes wander.

The Reserve is being hailed as a “very special” project that will support Chester Zoo’s global conservation work. Designed with natural and sustainable materials, the lodges’ interiors will echo African landscapes, mirroring the habitats of endangered species the zoo works to protect.

Adding a touch of luxury, the resort will also house a reception and The Amboseli Restaurant – named after the Kenyan region associated with the zoo’s lion conservation efforts – and guests can enjoy lakeside drinks at the Tsavo Lounge.

Chester Zoo’s new lodges have become an internet sensation, with Instagram users showering the accommodation with praise. One enthusiast gushed: “This looks great.” While another suggested to their partner a “date night” at the scenic spot.

A different user was so captivated they urged their loved one: “Please!” However, despte the buzz, the zoo has not escaped criticism for its pricing strategy. Initially, it was announced that lodge prices would “start from £375 a night off season based on two people staying”.

However, the booking website recently listed the lowest mid-week rates in August, the height of the school holidays, at £576.20 for two, or starting at £1,000 for a family of four in a lakeside lodge, as reported by MEN. For those eyeing the more opulent giraffe view lodge, a stay will set them back £1,319.20 in August for four guests, or £867 for a couple.

Online, one critic slammed the costs: “These prices are totally ridiculous… could go on an actual safari abroad.” Another joked: “£1,000 for a family of a Saturday night in August? Do I get to take home a giraffe for that price?”

While a third chimed in: “I know you rely on public funding but I can get plane tickets for 2 weeks to South Africa for the price for a week (family of 6) such a shame I was looking forward to booking for my 30th.”

A spokesperson for Chester Zoo said: “As an international wildlife charity we wholly rely on public funding to carry out our species-saving work. The Reserve is the latest way that people may wish to help to directly fund our global conservation projects and make a difference to the future of some amazing, but sadly endangered, species.

“We’ve partnered with experts from the hospitality industry to ensure that our pricing is in line with other equivalent experiences in the UK, and overseas, with prices for a stay starting from £375 per night based on two sharing in the low season.

“A stay at The Reserve includes so much more than a room for the night. Packages include elements such as a range of exclusive animal experiences, breakfast, dinner, and out-of-hours access to the zoo, as well as two-day passes and the chance to view wildlife straight from your lodge balcony.”

Jamie Christon, CEO at Chester Zoo, also said of the lodges: “There’s nothing else quite like The Reserve at Chester Zoo in the UK. It’s so much more than just a short break – it’ll provide guests with unforgettable experiences and bring them face-to-face with extraordinary animals, all while helping to protect the wild world and fund powerful conservation action.

“Guests will be able to wake up in luxurious surroundings and enjoy sunrise views across a private savannah and the chance to view wildlife straight from their lodge balcony. They’ll have special, out-of-hours access to the zoo, the opportunity to engage in a range of behind-the-scenes and animal experiences and be able to enjoy a freshly prepared meals, before taking in conservation stories while relaxing by our fire-pit on our lakeside terrace with blankets, cushions and toasting marshmallows. It’s the ultimate African safari experience, right here in the UK.”